Clayton State women’s cross country named an All-Academic Team

New Orleans, LA  – The Clayton State women's cross country team proved it was one of the fastest squads in the nation last fall, and it has also demonstrated it is one of the smartest too.

 The 2012 Peach Belt Conference Champion Lakers were named an All-Academic Team by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). The Clayton State team reported a 3.51 grade point average, which was the highest in the Peach Belt and the second highest in its NCAA Division II Southeast Region behind King College. This marked the second consecutive season the Laker squad garnered the honor.

 Clayton State's cross country team last fall consisted of senior Paige Galvin, junior Gisele Javois, sophomore Maia Kuhnen, sophomore Holly McNorton, sophomore Jessica Smith, sophomore Racquel Valadez, junior Samantha Walling, sophomore Kendra Wilson and Taylor Galvin.

 In addition to the team All-Academic honors, the Lakers had five individual runners named All-Academic in Paige Galvin,Taylor Galvin, Smith, Valadez and Walling. For Paige Galvin, this is her third time being named All-Academic while it is the second time for Smith and Walling.

 Along with capturing last year's Peach Belt Conference Championship last fall, the Lakers finished second at the regional meet and competed for the first time in the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships.

 To qualify as a USTFCCCA All-Academic Cross Country Team, a squad must have a cumulative team GPA of 3.00 or better and competed at the NCAA regional championships.